Church-based talents take Sinulog spotlight

CEBU, Philippines -  This year’s Sinulog is going grassroots in showcasing the innate talent of the Cebuanos.

The Sinulog Foundation is gathering church volunteers for the first ever Sinulog Chorale Competition, an avenue for local talents to share the international spotlight.

“Cebuanos are gifted in singing. I believe that we can show this to the world through this,” said Gloria Villarojo, Event Chairman for the Sinulog Choral Competition, Sinulog Idol and Best Dance Crew.

Eight groups have auditioned for the tilt, but only five will sing their way to the championship trophy on January 13.

The five finalists are the Music Choristers of the Sta. Teresa de Avila Parish in Talisay City, the Sta. Maria–Sunrise Village Choir of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish in Pardo, Cebu City, the Cebu Male Singers of St. Therese Parish in Lahug, Cebu City, the St. John de Saguhon Choir of UV-Toledo City and the Fidelis Choir of the Redemptorist Church, Cebu City.

The competition is exclusive to choral groups whose members are volunteers and servants of the church. The finals will be held at the Plaza Sugbo with the historic Magellan’s Cross in the background.

Each group shall sing two songs, one obligatory song and a song of their choice. Villarojo said the obligatory song is the traditional HuNiño song. Albeit the choirs may choose their second song, Villarojo explained the song must also contain the Sinulog tune or chant. A presentation must not exceed eight minutes.

The top three winners will receive P20,000, P15,000 and P10,000 each, respectively, plus a trophy.

Among the Cebu chorales that have excelled internationally include the University of the Visayas Chorale, Mandaue Children and Youth Choir and the Cebu Chamber Singers.

UV Chorale won gold medals in a choir fest in Italy last year and was the only and first Cebuano choir to qualify and be invited to a series of competitions in different countries in Europe from October and November 2012. Meanwhile, the Mandaue Children and Youth Choir won gold trophies during the Hong Kong International Children and Youth Chorale Competition in 2011, the same year Cebu Chamber Singers won the Grand Prix award during the Busan International Chorale Festival.

Cebu has always been known for its exceptional talents in music with famous homegrown talents conquering the national stage, including Pilita Corrales, Dulce, Anna Fegi, Sheryn Regis and Vina Morales, among others. –/JMO (FREEMAN)